Early Childhood Education (ECE) NOCTI Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the ECE NOCTI Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to enhance learning. Master the test content and succeed effortlessly in your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What age is considered a critical time for emotional development related to separation anxiety?

  1. 3-6 months

  2. 6-9 months

  3. 9-12 months

  4. 12-18 months

The correct answer is: 6-9 months

The age of 6-9 months is considered a critical time for emotional development related to separation anxiety because it is during this period that infants begin to develop a stronger attachment to their primary caregivers. This attachment is integral for the child's sense of security and trust in their caregivers. Around 6 months, infants start recognizing familiar faces and may show signs of preference for their primary caregivers. As they approach 9 months, many infants begin to experience separation anxiety more acutely. They may become distressed when separated from their caregivers, demonstrating a clear emotional response. This emotional development stage is important as it reflects their growing awareness of the permanence of their relationships and the understanding of separation. Throughout this time frame, caregivers can help ease separation anxiety by providing comfort, consistency, and brief separations to help the child understand that they will return. The development of trust and the ability to navigate emotions during this period lays the foundation for healthy emotional development in later stages of childhood.